Slovan advanced past Iberia and secured a European autumn

30.07.2026 19:01 HotInfo

Footballers of ŠK Slovan Bratislava advanced to the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. After a 2:0 win in Georgia, they drew 1:1 with Iberia 1999 Tbilisi at Tehelné pole on Wednesday, July 29, thereby fulfilling their basic objective, which was to confirm their advancement. STVR (Spravy) ↗

This also secured Slovan at least participation in the league phase of the Conference League. The first match was decided already in the opening half, when Andraž Šporar scored and the blue-and-whites' second forward added another goal. The home side in Tbilisi did beat Dominik Takáč twice, but both goals were disallowed for offside, revealed by the VAR system. ta3.com ↗

Coach Yaya Touré did not speak only about the result after the advancement. According to new information, he is bothered by the attitude of some players, and he indicated that if he benches someone, he expects them to accept the decision. Under his leadership, Slovan plays more actively and aggressively, the coach rotates the lineup more often, but he also admitted that the club needs reinforcements and is working on bringing them in. ta3.com ↗

The situation surrounding winger Alasana Yirajang, who got his chance after the absence of the injured Tigran Barseghian, is also still resonating within the team. His inclusion was among the decisions that showed the change in approach of the new coaching staff. zurnal.pravda.sk ↗

The blue-and-whites now face the next phase of Champions League qualification. Advancing past their Georgian opponent gives them the certainty of a European autumn, but at the same time raises the question of whether the current squad will be sufficient for the more demanding August schedule. hnonline.sk ↗

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